Health Matters: Positive Healing

Health experts say a positive attitude can actually benefit your health. Richard Schneider says he’s living proof that keeping a positive attitude is important. Last March, he was involved in a devastating bicycle crash that left him seriously injured. He spent over two months recovering in the Trauma Center and later at the Rehabilitation Hospital.

“I do remember getting up and getting on my bicycle. I don’t remember anything after that. I was badly damaged. I broke seven ribs, a collapsed lung, a broken nose, a broken cheek bone, a broken eye socket, a broken upper jaw, three missing teeth, major injury to my knee and my hip. So I would have thought I would’ve been miserable from the second I got there,” said Schneider.

Throughout his recovery, he maintained a positive attitude. “As a whole, it was almost a pain free experience. And the people were marvelous!”

He stayed focused throughout his rehabilitation, even made friends with the staff and health experts. Lee Memorial Health System Trauma Coordinator, Gloria Ingraham, says patients with a positive attitude, in a positive environment often make leaps and bounds with their treatment. “I notice that the patients who have a positive attitude are making more steps to recovery. I see patients go from three months ago not being able to walk and being in a wheelchair to walking with a cane, and reducing their rehabilitation to just two to three times a week just because they’re motivated,” said Ingraham.

While it’s normal to start off grieving after an injury, Ingraham says it’s important for patients to stay focused on their improvements and stay surrounded with encouragement. “At the end of the day it’s their choice if they want to see things differently but I think it’s good to try.”

Maintaining his positive attitude, Richard’s health continues to improve today. While he can no longer cycle outside, he spends hours each day working on his strength and stamina using an indoor bike at home.